Carrie Bradshaw » Markets of New York

Photo of the Day – Wednesday 6/29/11: Caja Jewelry

Caja Jewelry was one of the first design companies that I met at the Brooklyn Flea when I first started doing research for my book, Markets of New York City: A Guide to the Best Artisan, Farmer, Food and Flea Markets. I immediately loved their nameplate jewelry. It reminded me of the Sex and the City scene in Paris when Carrie Bradshaw finds her missing “Carrie” nameplate in her vintage Chanel clutch and gets her mojo back.

Fast forward to February, 2011 when Caja’s nameplates adorned the models on no less than 20 pages of this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Not to mention the ads I saw on bus stops and in the 14th Street subway station. Seriously huge deal. And because SI gives credit where credit is due, Caja’s company name appeared next to each photo.

Caja makes a wide range of handcut designs in addition to the name plates. They make name plate cuffs, which I’ve never seen before. And their charms are delicate and whimsical. I love them all, but the cleaver really speaks to me for some reason…

So I am thrilled to report that while they’re business is taking off, Caja owners and designers Andrea and Juan can still be found in the city’s artisan markets. I recently ran into them at the Renegade Craft Fair, and they sell their designs at several local shops, including our favorite Better Than Jam Coop. Visit the Caja Jewelry online shop, and please “like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter!

Photo of the Day – August 24, 2010: Debbie Wilburn at the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market

Prada Shoes in Excellent Condition: $25 from Debbie Wilburn at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market

As I wrote in Markets of New York City, the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market is where fabulous shoes go to find a new and worthy home. It’s as if Carrie Bradshaw emptied her closet every weekend and brought her gently worn shoes to the flea market. Jimmy Choos? Ferragamo? Prada? I regularly catch up with all of these dear friends on the tables of Debbie Wilburn at the Flea. In addition to fabulous shoes, Ms. Wilburn has racks filled with designer clothes. She recently had a blowout sale of Escada skirts and jackets.

Here’s a story for you: I stopped by to see what Ms. Wilburn had three weekends ago. I noticed a pair of handmade black suede loafers by John Lobb. I was simply drawn to the obvious craftsmanship of these shoes and the fact that they fit me like a glove. They also have a handwritten serial number and the name “Cherry,” which lead me to believe that they had been custom made for my shoe twin somewhere out there. John Lobb, Bootmaker was founded in 1849 in London and became part of Hermes in 1976. The company holds Royal Warrants to His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Other clients have included Enrico Caruso, and James Bond. According to Departures Magazine, bespoke shoes start at $4000. Mine set me back $20, and I didn’t have to wait a year to get them.